Shock Mock Draft: Nacua & Love Plummet After Breaking News
ESPN Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Complete Breakdown & Analysis
Quick Note: This article explains a fantasy football mock draft — a practice draft where experts pick players to show how a real draft might go. Think of it like a dress rehearsal before the big game!
What Happened Before the Draft?
The first full week of NFL preseason was wild for fantasy managers. Here are the big headlines:
- Potential suspensions reported for stars like Puka Nacua (WR, Rams) and Josh Jacobs (RB, Packers)
- Jeremiyah Love (RB, Cardinals) — the #3 overall NFL draft pick — suffered a high ankle sprain and will miss the rest of preseason
- The ESPN Fantasy team gathered for a live mock draft on the Fantasy Focus podcast
IMPORTANT: Preseason news changes fast! Always check for updates before your real draft.
Draft Settings & Participants
League Format
| Setting | Details |
|---|---|
| Teams | 10 |
| Scoring | 1/2 PPR (0.5 points per reception) |
| Rounds | 16 |
| Draft Type | Snake (1→10, then 10→1, repeat) |
The Drafters (in 1st-round order)
- Liz Loza
- Matt Bowen
- Eric Karabell
- Mike Clay
- Dave Presley
- Daniel Dopp
- Cameron Wolfe
- Field Yates
- Eric Moody
- Tristan H. Cockcroft
Round-by-Round Draft Results
ELI5 Tip: In a snake draft, the order flips each round. Pick #1 gets the 1st and 20th picks. Pick #10 gets the 10th and 11th picks.
Round 1 — The Elite Tier
| Pick | Player | Pos | Team | Drafter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bijan Robinson | RB | ATL | Loza |
| 2 | Jahmyr Gibbs | RB | DET | Bowen |
| 3 | Ja’Marr Chase | WR | CIN | Karabell |
| 4 | Christian McCaffrey | RB | SF | Clay |
| 5 | Amon-Ra St. Brown | WR | DET | Presley |
| 6 | Jaxon Smith-Njigba | WR | SEA | Dopp |
| 7 | Jonathan Taylor | RB | IND | Wolfe |
| 8 | Puka Nacua | WR | LAR | Yates |
| 9 | James Cook III | RB | BUF | Moody |
| 10 | De’Von Achane | RB | MIA | Cockcroft |
Rounds 2–3 — Stars & Breakouts
- Round 2 brought Ashton Jeanty (RB, LV), CeeDee Lamb (WR, DAL), Derrick Henry (RB, BAL), Justin Jefferson (WR, MIN)
- Round 3 featured rookies Malik Nabers (WR, NYG), Jeremiyah Love (RB, ARI) — injured!, Josh Jacobs (RB, GB)
Rounds 4–6 — Solid Starters & High-Upside
- RBs: Omarion Hampton, Chase Brown, Kyren Williams, Breece Hall, Bucky Irving
- WRs: Tetairoa McMillan, DeVonta Smith, Zay Flowers, Ladd McConkey
- TEs: Trey McBride, Brock Bowers
- First QBs: Josh Allen (5.7), Jayden Daniels (7.1)
Rounds 7–10 — QB Run & Depth
- QBs drafted: Lamar Jackson, Drake Maye, Jalen Hurts, Justin Herbert, Joe Burrow, Trevor Lawrence, Caleb Williams, Dak Prescott, Bo Nix, Patrick Mahomes, Brock Purdy
- Key WRs: Marvin Harrison Jr., DK Metcalf, Courtland Sutton, Brian Thomas Jr.
- Key RBs: Aaron Jones Sr., Alvin Kamara, Rachaad White
Rounds 11–16 — Late Value, K/DST
- Late QBs: Matthew Stafford, Kyler Murray, Jaxson Dart, Tyler Shough, Malik Willis
- Kickers: Brandon Aubrey, Cameron Dicker, Ka’imi Fairbairn, Jake Bates
- Defenses (D/ST): Texans, Broncos, Seahawks, Steelers, Rams, Ravens, Eagles, Lions, Packers, Chargers
Complete Team Rosters
Format:
Player, Team (Draft Round.Pick | Bye Week)
Team Loza (Pick 1)
| Pos | Player |
|---|---|
| QB | Jayden Daniels (7.1 | 7), Trevor Lawrence (11.1 | 7) |
| RB | Bijan Robinson (1.1 | 11), Kenneth Walker III (2.10 | 5), Aaron Jones Sr. (8.10 | 6), Blake Corum (9.1 | 11), Tyler Allgeier (13.1 | 14) |
| WR | Malik Nabers (3.1 | 8), Ladd McConkey (4.10 | 7), Carnell Tate (6.10 | 9), Stefon Diggs (10.10 | 7), Jayden Higgins (12.10 | 8), Jerry Jeudy (14.10 | 11) |
| TE | Colston Loveland (5.1 | 10) |
| K | Tyler Loop (16.10 | 13) |
| D/ST | Seahawks (15.1 | 11) |
Team Bowen (Pick 2)
| Pos | Player |
|---|---|
| QB | Joe Burrow (8.9 | 6), Kyler Murray (14.9 | 6) |
| RB | Jahmyr Gibbs (1.2 | 6), Jeremiyah Love (3.2 | 14) , TreVeyon Henderson (6.9 | 11), Jaylen Warren (9.2 | 9), RJ Harvey (13.2 | 10) |
| WR | A.J. Brown (2.9 | 11), Emeka Egbuka (4.9 | 10), Davante Adams (5.2 | 11), Courtland Sutton (7.2 | 10), Josh Downs (10.9 | 13), Jayden Reed (11.2 | 11) |
| TE | Jake Ferguson (12.9 | 14) |
| K | Cairo Santos (16.9 | 10) |
| D/ST | Steelers (15.2 | 9) |
Team Karabell (Pick 3)
| Pos | Player |
|---|---|
| QB | Matthew Stafford (12.8 | 11), Patrick Mahomes (13.3 | 5) |
| RB | Josh Jacobs (3.3 | 11), Travis Etienne Jr. (4.8 | 8), Rhamondre Stevenson (6.8 | 11), Kenny Gainwell (8.8 | 10), Chris Rodriguez Jr. (14.8 | 7) |
| WR | Ja’Marr Chase (1.3 | 6), Drake London (2.8 | 11), Tee Higgins (5.3 | 6), Mike Evans (7.3 | 8), Alec Pierce (9.3 | 13), Wan’Dale Robinson (10.8 | 9) |
| TE | Travis Kelce (11.3 | 5) |
| K | Jake Bates (16.8 | 6) |
| D/ST | Rams (15.3 | 11) |
Team Clay (Pick 4)
| Pos | Player |
|---|---|
| QB | Lamar Jackson (7.4 | 13), Jaxson Dart (11.4 | 8) |
| RB | Christian McCaffrey (1.4 | 8), Saquon Barkley (2.7 | 10), Quinshon Judkins (5.4 | 11), Jacory Croskey-Merritt (10.7 | 7), Jordan Mason (12.7 | 6) |
| WR | Rashee Rice (3.4 | 5), Zay Flowers (4.7 | 13), Luther Burden III (6.7 | 10), Matthew Golden (9.4 | 11), KC Concepcion (13.4 | 11), Caleb Douglas (14.7 | 6) |
| TE | Harold Fannin Jr. (8.7 | 11) |
| K | Eddy Pineiro (16.7 | 8) |
| D/ST | Ravens (15.4 | 13) |
Team Presley (Pick 5)
| Pos | Player |
|---|---|
| QB | Dak Prescott (11.5 | 14), Caleb Williams (12.6 | 10) |
| RB | Chase Brown (2.6 | 6), Cam Skattebo (4.6 | 8), Bucky Irving (6.6 | 10), Zach Charbonnet (10.6 | 11), Tyrone Tracy Jr. (14.6 | 8) |
| WR | Amon-Ra St. Brown (1.5 | 6), Garrett Wilson (3.5 | 13), Parker Washington (7.5 | 7), Michael Pittman Jr. (8.6 | 9), Michael Wilson (9.5 | 14), Kayshon Boutte (13.5 | 11) |
| TE | Tyler Warren (5.5 | 13) |
| K | Harrison Mevis (16.6 | 11) |
| D/ST | Eagles (15.5 | 10) |
Team Dopp (Pick 6)
| Pos | Player |
|---|---|
| QB | Drake Maye (7.6 | 11), Tyler Shough (14.5 | 8) |
| RB | Omarion Hampton (2.5 | 7), Jadarian Price (5.6 | 11), David Montgomery (6.5 | 8), Rachaad White (11.6 | 7) |
| WR | Jaxon Smith-Njigba (1.6 | 11), Chris Olave (3.6 | 8), DeVonta Smith (4.5 | 10), Brian Thomas Jr. (9.6 | 7), Quentin Johnston (12.5 | 7), Makai Lemon (13.6 | 10) |
| TE | Sam LaPorta (8.5 | 6), George Kittle (10.5 | 8) |
| K | Brandon Aubrey (15.6 | 14) |
| D/ST | Lions (16.5 | 6) |
Team Wolfe (Pick 7)
| Pos | Player |
|---|---|
| QB | Josh Allen (5.7 | 7), Malik Willis (15.7 | 6) |
| RB | Jonathan Taylor (1.7 | 13), Kyren Williams (4.4 | 11), Rico Dowdle (8.4 | 9), J.K. Dobbins (9.7 | 10), Alvin Kamara (12.4 | 8) |
| WR | Justin Jefferson (2.4 | 6), Jaylen Waddle (6.4 | 10), DK Metcalf (7.7 | 9), Jordyn Tyson (10.4 | 8), Travis Hunter (11.7 | 7), Denzel Boston (13.7 | 11) |
| TE | Trey McBride (3.7 | 14) |
| K | Cam Little (16.4 | 7) |
| D/ST | Broncos (14.4 | 10) |
Team Yates (Pick 8)
| Pos | Player |
|---|---|
| QB | Justin Herbert (10.3 | 7) |
| RB | Derrick Henry (2.3 | 13), Javonte Williams (4.3 | 14), Tony Pollard (8.3 | 9), Chuba Hubbard (9.8 | 5), Mike Washington Jr. (14.3 | 7) |
| WR | Puka Nacua (1.8 | 11), DJ Moore (5.8 | 7), Rome Odunze (6.3 | 10), Christian Watson (7.8 | 11), De’Zhaun Stribling (11.8 | 8), Rashid Shaheed (12.3 | 11), Dontayvion Wicks (13.8 | 10) |
| TE | Brock Bowers (3.8 | 7) |
| K | Cameron Dicker (15.8 | 7) |
| D/ST | Packers (16.3 | 11) |
Team Moody (Pick 9)
| Pos | Player |
|---|---|
| QB | Jalen Hurts (8.2 | 10) |
| RB | James Cook III (1.9 | 7), Breece Hall (4.2 | 13), D’Andre Swift (6.2 | 10), Jonathon Brooks (7.9 | 5), Kyle Monangai (10.2 | 10), MarShawn Lloyd (15.9 | 11) |
| WR | CeeDee Lamb (2.2 | 14), George Pickens (3.9 | 14), Terry McLaurin (5.9 | 7), Jakobi Meyers (9.9 | 7), Khalil Shakir (12.2 | 7), Jalen Coker (14.2 | 5) |
| TE | Dallas Goedert (11.9 | 10) |
| K | Jason Myers (16.2 | 11) |
| D/ST | Texans (13.9 | 8) |
Team Cockcroft (Pick 10)
| Pos | Player |
|---|---|
| QB | Brock Purdy (11.10 | 8), Bo Nix (12.1 | 10) |
| RB | De’Von Achane (1.10 | 6), Ashton Jeanty (2.1 | 7), Bhayshul Tuten (5.10 | 7), Keaton Mitchell (14.1 | 7) |
| WR | Nico Collins (3.10 | 8), Tetairoa McMillan (4.1 | 5), Jameson Williams (6.1 | 6), Marvin Harrison Jr. (8.1 | 14), Jordan Addison (10.1 | 6), Chris Godwin Jr. (13.10 | 10) |
| TE | Kyle Pitts Sr. (7.10 | 11), Tucker Kraft (9.10 | 11) |
| K | Ka’imi Fairbairn (16.1 | 8) |
| D/ST | Chargers (15.10 | 7) |
Key Takeaways for Your Draft
DO:
- Target RB-heavy early (8 of top 10 picks were RBs)
- Grab an elite WR in Round 1–2 if RBs run dry
- Wait on QB — top guys went Rounds 5–7, good value in Rounds 10+
- Draft 2 TEs if you miss the top tier (Dopp got Kittle + LaPorta!)
DON’T:
- Panic over preseason injuries (Love, Nacua, Jacobs) — monitor updates
- Reach for a Kicker or D/ST before Round 14
- Ignore bye weeks — stack too many same-week byes = lineup holes
Summary
This 10-team, 1/2 PPR mock draft showed clear trends:
- Running backs rule Round 1 — 6 of 10 picks
- Wide receivers fly off the board in Rounds 2–3
- Quarterback patience pays — first QB (Josh Allen) at 5.7
- Tight ends split — top 2 (McBride, Bowers) in Round 3, next wave Rounds 5–8
- Rookies shine — Nabers, Love, Hampton, McMillan, Jeanty all Top 40
- Defenses & kickers wait — all drafted Rounds 13–16
Pro Tip: Use ESPN’s Mock Draft Lobby to practice your specific league settings!
FAQ
1. What does "1/2 PPR" mean?
Half-Point Per Reception. Every catch = 0.5 fantasy points. Makes pass-catching RBs/WRs/TEs more valuable.
2. Why did Jeremiyah Love get drafted if he’s injured?
Drafters bet on talent. He was the #3 NFL pick! In redraft leagues, you can stash him on IR (injured reserve) if your league allows it.
3. Should I draft a QB early like Josh Allen (Round 5)?
Only if you love the player. Most experts wait until Rounds 8–12. The difference between QB5 and QB15 is smaller than RB5 vs RB15.
4. What’s a "snake draft"?
Order: 1→2→3…→10, then 10→9→8…→1, repeat. Fairest way — no one picks 1st every round.
5. How do I use this mock for my draft?
- Note ADP (Average Draft Position) trends
- See positional runs (e.g., 5 RBs in Round 2)
- Practice your strategy in ESPN’s free Mock Draft Lobby!
Final Thought: Mock drafts are practice, not prophecy. Use them to test strategies, learn player values, and build confidence. Your real draft? That’s where legends are made. Good luck!